Born in Bethlehem is a numbers song, similar to The Twelve Days of Christmas. Each group traveling to the Nativity, or associated with Jesus, is presented in ascending numerical order, from one to twelve. [ One for the little bitty Baby
Twelve for the Twelve Apostles] Once the complete set has been introduced, the numbers are performed in reverse order, in a frantic race (prestissimo) from twelve to one. This is an energetic song! The Clarinet plays a featured role, enhancing the message of the lyrics. For example, the phrase Children, go where I send thee is matched by the Clarinet scampering up a scale as children setting forth on a trip. And the next line, How shall Isend thee? has the Clarinet/children coming back down the scale, returning home. Duration: 4:15
